The Overlord of Teyvat: Genshin Impact x Overlord crossover

Part 15

As Aether and Paimon left the Northland Bank, the atmosphere around them felt heavy. Liyue's bustling streets were just a few turns away, but here, they found a quiet alleyway where they could finally breathe. The pale light of dusk cast long shadows across the walls, lending an eerie calmness that contrasted sharply with the storm of emotions swirling within Aether's mind.

Paimon hovered close to Aether, her tiny face furrowed with concern as she tried to process what they'd just discovered.

"To think that Mister Zhongli was actually Rex Lapis... It's just unbelievable," Paimon murmured, glancing at Aether with wide eyes. "And all the while, the people of Liyue are still mourning his death, and he's alive right under their noses! How can someone be so... calm about something like this?"

Aether glanced around, lowering his voice. "Keep it down, Paimon. This is one secret that needs to stay just between us. If the people find out that the Geo Archon is alive, it could turn Liyue upside down. With all the changes he's planning, that kind of chaos would destroy everything he's working for."

Paimon crossed her arms, nodding thoughtfully. "You're probably right... but it still feels wrong, doesn't it? Zhongli went along with the Fatui and handed over his Gnosis, and now the Fatui have what they want. It's like... he didn't care that much about what might happen."

Aether's jaw tightened as he pondered her words. "Maybe he believes in his plan for Liyue enough to take that risk. But there's one other person who deserves to know about all of this..."

Paimon immediately caught on. "You're talking about Momon, aren't you? But... you think he'll be okay with us letting the Fatui walk away with the Geo Archon's Gnosis?"

Aether looked off into the distance, watching the colors of the setting sun bleed across the sky. Momon was powerful, formidable, and intensely principled—qualities that made him both a valuable ally and someone who would likely view their inaction with disappointment. Yet Aether knew that keeping this secret from Momon, after everything they'd been through together, would be unwise.

"We've faced too much together to keep secrets like this from him," Aether replied, his voice steady with conviction. "It's only right that we're honest with him, no matter how he reacts. He's our companion, and if we're going to earn his trust, we need to trust him, too."

Paimon floated in silence for a moment, then nodded, her voice softening with resolve. "You're right. Momon deserves to know... even if he might think we should've done more."

"I've heard enough..." The soft rustle of robes and a faint, chilling whisper cut through the empty street like a knife.

Aether and Paimon froze, their heads whipping around to find the source of the voice. "Did... did you hear that?" Paimon stammered, clinging to Aether's arm with wide eyes.

Before Aether could answer, the voice spoke again, closer this time. "I'm right here."

They turned in unison—and nearly jumped out of their skins. Towering over them, cloaked in shadow and imposing as ever, stood Momon. He seemed to have emerged from the shadows themselves, his mask unreadable and the dark cloak around him adding to his ominous presence.

"W-Woah! You scared Paimon half to death!" Paimon yelped, hovering back a bit to put distance between herself and the silent figure.

"Momon," Aether began, finally finding his voice, "where have you been all morning? We thought you'd gone somewhere else in the city."

Momon's gaze remained steady, and though his face was hidden, his tone betrayed a slight hint of amusement. "I apologize. Ningguang called me to the Jade Chamber. It was an... interesting meeting."